THE EFFECT OF METACESTODES OF HYMENOLEPIS-DIMINUTA ON THE BEAN-SHAPEDACCESSORY-GLANDS IN MALE TENEBRIO-MOLITOR

Metacestodes of Hymenolepis diminuta affect several aspects of female reproductive physiology in Tenebrio molitor and such effects are media ted via the endocrine system. The effects on male reproduction are les s well known and were studied with respect to the Bean-Shaped Accessor y Glands (BAGs). The size and wet and dry weight of BAGs from infected and uninfected beetles were compared and rose to a plateau from 0-6 d ays post-emergence in uninfected beetles but in infected individuals c ontinued to increase in both size and weight. These effects were densi ty independent. Glands from both infected and uninfected beetles were assayed for trehalase activity measured by its ability to convert the sugar trehalose to glucose. The activity of this enzyme, per mg wet we ight, was not affected by the parasite. However, total activity per gl and increased in infected males. Total protein content and electrophor etic profiles of BAGs from infected and uninfected individuals showed no change in profile but showed an increase in all protein subunits pe r gland over a broad molecular weight range.